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About
The
Exhibition
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During the summer of 1996 , the
Friends
of the University of Iowa Libraries
sponsored the exhibition Tiny Tomes to commemorate the gift
from Charlotte M. Smith of her personal collection of miniature
books. The physical exhibition highlighted over 400 items selected
from the collection that exceeds 3,100 pieces, and included works
from the 17th century to the present day. Accompanying the exhibition
was a descriptive
catalog, which included annotated
entries for all titles in the display, and a miniature
brochure, which briefly outlined
the significance of miniature books and the importance of the donor's
contribution.
This virtual exhibition is a replication in
part of the physical one. It includes over 140 images which were
digitally created for either a "thumbnail" view with the annotated
description, or a higher resolution image which is displayed by
"clicking" on the thumbnail version.The electronic Tiny Tomes, which
can be toured as if it were the actual exhibition, is arranged into
the following categories:
- Introduction : A sampling which
identifies the various sizes of miniature books.
- Collector's Choice : A selection
from the donor's favorite items.
- History of Fine Bookmaking :
Miniature books emphasizing the evolution of book
production.
- Dictionaries : Examples of early and
bilingual texts.
- Poetry & Prose : A collection of
early and contemporary examples of works of literature in
miniature.
- Americana : A variety of miniature
works on American history and culture.
- Abecedaria : A selection of
accordian-type alphabet books.
- Teeny Tiny Tomes : Examples of the
smallest books ever printed.
- Religious Works : Selections from
various religious denominations, including thumb
Bibles.
- Children's Books : Examples of this
popular genre,some printed in the early 1800's.
- Almanacs : Variety of these useful
calendars and fact books.
- Peep Shows : Accordian-type
miniature books which unfold to present a three dimensional
effect.
- Art of Fine Bookmaking : Examples
from prominent publishers of miniature books.
- Tamazunchale Press : The complete
collection of the donor's own private press of
miniatures.
- Achille St. Onge : A complete
collection of works by the "master" of miniature book
publishing.
- Classics : Examples of early and
rare miniature books.
- Resources : Current publications
about and standard bibliographies of miniature
books.
- The electronic version of Tiny Tomes
was designed and constructed by Richard M. Kolbet and Heather
Arbaugh of the Special Collections Department. The completion of
this project, however, would not have been possible without the
advice and assistance of the staff in the Libraries' Information
Arcade. We thank them for sharing their experience and especially
for their patience and forbearance. A special note of gratitude is
extended to those in the Arcade who made an extra effort while
guiding us over the numerous obstacles we encountered.
Nonetheless, any errors or omissions are the sole responsibility
of the curators.
This online exhibition is the property of
the University of Iowa Libraries. In accordance with the
principles of fair use of copyrighted materials, readers may use
the images for personal or educational purposes. No other use of
the images is allowed without special permission from the
University of Iowa Libraries (Special Collections Department), or
from the holders of the copyright of the materials. Permission to
use some of the images in this exhibit is pending from the
copyright holders.
Thank you for taking the time to visit this brief introduction
to the world of miniature books. It is a pleasure to share this unique resource
with others. We would appreciate your reactions, both positive and negative,
as well as your questions. Please direct them to the Special
Collections Department.
Related Websites
Miniature
Book Society
Library
and Archival Exhibits on the Web
World
Wide Web Virtual Library - Museums - Library exhibits
Last modified 15 June 1999
rmk
